Fluorescent Calcite with Quartz & Rainbow Pyrite — Huanzalá, Peru — 0.62 lbs

A striking Rainbow Pyrite, Calcite, and Quartz combination specimen from the Huanzalá Mine in Peru, featuring a tall white crystalline formation accented by scattered metallic pyrite and an exceptional orange-red response under ultraviolet light. Mounted upright on a custom black display base, this approximately 5-inch specimen presents very differently under ordinary and UV illumination.

In natural light, the formation is dominated by white, cream, and translucent crystals. Several substantial calcite crystals project from the upper section, displaying broad reflective faces, internal veils, and softly frosted areas. Smaller calcite growth continues through the central and lower portions, while fine colorless quartz points emerge from narrow cavities and coat sections of the surrounding matrix.

Scattered pyrite crystals provide contrasting metallic flashes throughout the formation. Their coloration shifts between brass gold, bronze, copper, deep red-brown, and occasional pink or violet reflections. Although less concentrated than on many traditional Huanzalá pyrite clusters, the pyrite is distributed across several sides, rewarding close inspection.

Under ultraviolet light, the specimen transforms dramatically. The large upper calcite crystal and multiple additional calcite zones fluoresce an intense orange-to-red-orange. Smaller reactive crystals form a glowing trail down the specimen, while portions of the pale matrix display cool blue-white highlights.

Measuring approximately 3 × 2.5 × 5 inches and weighing 0.62 pounds, this specimen combines elegant white mineralization, strong calcite crystal development, scattered rainbow pyrite, fine quartz, and an outstanding ultraviolet display.

Specifications

Primary Minerals: Calcite, quartz, and pyrite

Formation: Large fluorescent calcite crystals with quartz and scattered iridescent pyrite across pale matrix

Locality: Huanzalá Mine, Huallanca District, Bolognesi Province, Áncash, Peru

Weight: 0.62 lbs, approximately 281 grams

Dimensions: Approximately 3 × 2.5 × 5 inches

Color: White, cream, colorless, pale gray, brass gold, bronze, copper, red-brown, pink, and violet reflections

Calcite Habit: Large translucent crystals with broad faces, internal veils, and smaller associated growth

Quartz Habit: Fine colorless-to-white prismatic crystals and projecting points

Pyrite Habit: Scattered metallic crystals and small intergrown groups

Ultraviolet Response: Intense orange-to-red-orange fluorescence across the calcite with localized blue-white matrix response

Luster: Vitreous across calcite and quartz; metallic across pyrite

Transparency: Transparent-to-translucent calcite and quartz with opaque pyrite and matrix

Chemical Formulas: CaCO₃ for calcite; SiO₂ for quartz; FeS₂ for pyrite

Display: Affixed to a custom black display base

Condition: Natural mineral specimen with inherent crystal contacts, incomplete crystals, edge irregularities, fractures, inclusions, cavities, surface deposits, matrix textures, and extraction-related contacts

Exact specimen shown

About Huanzalá Pyrite and Fluorescent Calcite

The Huanzalá Mine is internationally known for producing attractive combinations of pyrite, quartz, calcite, and associated minerals. Specimens from this locality can display exceptionally reflective metallic crystals alongside pale carbonate and quartz formations.

“Rainbow pyrite” is a descriptive trade term for pyrite showing multicolored surface reflections or natural oxidation colors. These gold, bronze, pink, violet, and copper tones may change considerably with the lighting angle.

Fluorescence occurs when a mineral emits visible light while exposed to ultraviolet radiation. On this specimen, multiple calcite crystals produce a vivid orange-red response. The exact brightness and perceived color may vary with the UV wavelength, room darkness, and viewing conditions.

Store the specimen in a dry environment. Avoid soaking, acids, harsh cleaners, and prolonged humidity. Clean only with a soft, dry brush or gentle air blower.

Collector Notes

This specimen features:

• Natural calcite, quartz, and pyrite from Huanzalá, Peru
• Large translucent calcite crystal at the crown
• Multiple additional calcite growth zones
• Intense orange-to-red-orange UV fluorescence
• Cool blue-white response across portions of the matrix
• Fine projecting quartz crystals
• Scattered rainbow pyrite accents
• Gold, bronze, copper, pink, and violet metallic reflections
• Tall approximately 5-inch profile
• Dramatically different natural-light and UV appearances
• Custom mounted display presentation
• Exact specimen pictured

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You will receive the exact specimen shown.
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